South Green Historic District (Hartford, Connecticut) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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South Green Historic District
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![]() 40 Alden Street
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Location | Roughly, along Wethersfield Ave., Alden and Morris Sts., Hartford, Connecticut |
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Area | 26 acres (11 ha) |
NRHP reference No. | 02001453 |
Added to NRHP | November 17, 1977 |
The South Green Historic District is a special neighborhood in Hartford, Connecticut. It is known for its many homes built in the 1800s. You can find all kinds of houses here. Some are grand and fancy, like the home of Samuel Colt, who made firearms. Others are smaller apartment buildings. Most of these buildings were constructed between 1860 and 1900.
This historic area is shaped like a triangle. It stretches from South Green along Main Street and Wethersfield Avenue. It also includes Morris, Dean, and Alden Streets. The district was officially recognized in 1977. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect important historical places.
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Exploring the South Green Historic District
The South Green area, located south of downtown Hartford, has a long history. In 1642, the city set aside this land. It was used as a common pasture for animals. A famous early leader, George Wyllys, lived nearby. The street named Wyllys Street honors his family. This street used to be the city's southern border.
How the Neighborhood Grew
In 1850, a man named Solomon Porter wanted to see more buildings here. The city's boundary then moved further south in 1854. This opened up new land for homes. Wethersfield Avenue became a popular spot for wealthy families. They built large, fancy brick homes in the Italianate style. The smaller streets nearby got more modest homes. These included houses for single families and also multi-family buildings.
Buildings and Styles You Can See
Many apartment buildings were built in the early 1900s. One of these was designed by George Dunkelberger. He also designed bridges for the Merritt Parkway. His apartment building shows a fun and unique style. Besides homes, the district has other types of buildings. There are three churches and a few shops. You can also find some small light industrial buildings. These were used for small factories or workshops.
Nearby Historic Areas
The South Green Historic District is surrounded by other important places. To the east, you'll find the Colt Industrial District. To the north is Charter Oak Place. To the west, you can explore Congress Street.
Some very famous homes are inside the South Green district. These include Armsmear, the grand home of Samuel Colt. It is a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a place of great national importance. Another landmark is the Henry Barnard House. This was the home of Henry Barnard, an important educator from the 1800s. The Day-Taylor House is also a notable building in the area.